Deer And Black Bear Hunting In New York: What You Need To Know

Deer and Black Bear hunting season is here in New York State. Early bowhunting season began on September 27th and runs through October 25th.

Crossbow season will begin on October 16th through the 25th, the regular deer hunting season will kick off on October 26th and run through the 8th of December and late bowhunting season will start on December 9th, and end on December 15th.

Black Bear hunting season in the Southern Zone of New York State, which covers a large area of the state, including the Southern Tier Central and Finger Lakes region of the state, began for early bowhunting on October 1st through November 15th.

Regular Black bear hunting season in New York State is from November 16th through December 8th, late bowhunting and late muzzleloading is from December 9th through the 17th.

Rules You Should Know Before Hunting In New York State

If you are planning on hunting this fall in New York State, remember these rules before you head out into the woods, as outlined by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. It is illegal to discharge a firearm, bow or crossbow:

So that the load or arrow passes over any part of a public highway,
Within 500 feet (for a firearm), 250 feet (for a crossbow), or 150 feet (for a bow) of any school, playground, or an occupied factory or church,
Within 500 feet (for a firearm), 250 feet (for a crossbow), or 150 feet (for a bow) of a dwelling, farm building, or structure in occupation or use unless you own it, lease it, are an immediate member of the family, an employee, or have the owner's consent.
You may hunt waterfowl with a firearm or bow, over water, within 500 feet of a dwelling or public structure as long as neither are within 500 feet (for a firearm) or 150 feet (for a bow) in the direction you are shooting.

Hunting Contests Rules

Also, a rule went into effect recently concerning hunting contests in New York State. The rule states that it is unlawful for anyone to organize, sponsor, conduct, promote, or participate in any contest, competition, tournament, or derby with the objective of taking or hunting wildlife for prizes, inducement, or entertainment.

However, this law does not apply to field trials with dogs, nor does it prohibit contests, competitions, or tournaments for fishing or hunting white-tailed deer, turkey, or bear according to the NYS DEC.

A reminder of a new law change - backtags are no longer required while hunting anywhere in New York State. It would be a good idea to take a quick look at other rules for hunting:

Manner of Taking - outlines what is illegal to take or hunt wildlife.

Attractants Rules - baiting, lures, decoys, and electronic calls.

Artificial Lights - rules to observe deer and bear with a light.

Possession of Firearms & Crossbows - rules during open season for deer.

Transportation of Firearms - for shotguns, crossbows, and muzzleloaders.

Accompanying - rules for bringing along an unlicensed individual, including children.

For information on these topics and more, visit the Hunting Regulations section of the NYS DEC website.